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Phil Black

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Born in Brooklyn, NY, Phil Black began dancing under the instruction of his Aunt. Mr. Black started his serious dance career in his early 20s on the competitive ballroom circuit. He began to branch out and study jazz and tap dance at almost 30 years old, and it was then that his passion for dance truly came alive. He began spending all of his free time at a local dance studio, and eventually opened up his own in 1968, the Phil Black Studios in NYC, where he honed his teaching techniques.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Phil Black began dancing under the instruction of his Aunt. Mr. Black started his serious dance career in his early 20s on the competitive ballroom circuit. He began to branch out and study jazz and tap dance at almost 30 years old, and it was then that his passion for dance truly came alive. He began spending all of his free time at a local dance studio, and eventually opened up his own in 1968, the Phil Black Studios in NYC, where he honed his teaching techniques.

His students included Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta, Irene Cara, Sandy Duncan and Goldie Hawn, to name a few.

Black has won countless awards for his work including, but not limited to Emmy Awards (The Unicorn Tales, The Tap Dance Kid), an Astaire Award, a Flo-Bert Award (1996), and has even had success as a singer —13 of Phil's songs appeared on the music charts in the '60s. Phil also appeared on off-Broadway in Old Bucks and New Wings (1962), and has worked alongside such greats as Judy Garland, Tony Bennett, Mickey Rooney, The Andrews Sisters.

Phil Black was known for his ability to prepare dancers for the professional world, and he saw great results. Not only were his students equipped with strong technique, but they knew they were prepared for any tricky audition and knew they could book the gig. Phil expected nothing less than excellence from his dancers, and his dancers loved him for it.

In Memory Of

JUNE 5, 2015

It is with great sadness as well as endless gratitude and love that Broadway Dance Center celebrates the life of Phil Black, one of the true pillars of our dance community. A master instructor in jazz and tap dance, he was mentor to many of our current faculty members. He had enormous impact on the lives of countless Broadway performers and dancers worldwide. His integrity, passion, and artistry will live on through the many lives that he has touched. He will be deeply missed.